Trump taps former Sen. David Perdue as ambassador to China

President-elect Trump has tapped former Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., to serve as U.S. Ambassador to China. 

In his announcement, Trump said Perdue :brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China,” citing his decades-long career in business. 

TRUMP’S PROPOSED TARIFFS ON MEXICO, CANADA, CHINA WILL INCREASE INFLATION, GOLDMAN SACHS WARNS

Former U.S. Senator David Perdue speaks at a campaign event for Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump, at the Johnny Mercer Theatre Civic Center in Savannah, Georgia, U.S. September 24, 2024.   (REUTERS/Megan Varner)

“He will be instrumental in implementing my strategy to maintain Peace in the region, and a productive working relationship with China’s leaders,” Trump said on Truth Social. 

The appointment comes amid threats by Trump to impose additional tariffs on Chinese goods unless Beijing does more to stop the trafficking of the highly addictive narcotic fentanyl.